Unilever has appointed Michael Polk to president Americas. Polk suceeds John Rice, who has decided to retire from the company after 25 years of service. Polk will assume his new position in March 2007, as Rice will step down from his position at that time. Polk is currently group vice president and president Unilever United States. He joined Unilever in 2003 after 16 years at Kraft Foods Inc.

"I want to thank John for his many contributions to Unilever over the course of his career with the company. Most recently, this included his commitment to help build the new One Unilever organization as well as the successful leadership of the Americas region for the past two years," said Patrick Cescau, group chief executive, Unilever. "We will all miss his leadership and experience."